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© 2026 Datateam Business Media Ltd. DIY Week incorporates Decor Retailing, DIY Retail Leaders, DIY Superstore, Do-It- Yourself Retailing, Domestic Electrical Appliances, Excellence In Garden Retailing, Excellence In Woodcare Retailing, Excellence In Timber Retailing, Excellence In Tile Retailing, Garden Retail Leaders, Garden Retailing, Hardware Merchandiser, Hardware Trade Journal, Homecentre, Home Storage Retailing, The Ironmonger, Ironmongery & Hardware, Lighting, Martineau & Smith’s Monthly Circular, Mercantile Guardian, Superstore Management, Tools Retailing, and Wholesale Leaders. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission from the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in DIY Week. However, Datateam Business Media Ltd will not be liable for any inaccuracies. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers. DIY Week is registered at Stationers’ Hall. ISSN 0954-8823. DIY Week is printed on environmentally friendly paper; both text paper and cover stock are elementary chlorine free and sourced from paper suppliers with a well planned environmental policy. This issue of DIYWeek includes some editorial photographs provided and paid for by suppliers. Printed by Buxton Press.
Founded in 1874 No 5,947 - April 2026
It’s almost time!
After months of planning, preparation and hard work, this year’s DIY Week Awards are almost upon us. As usual, we started with a clean slate and after opening the entries in the autumn, just had to sit back and hope that they would start coming in, and once again the industry didn’t disappoint. I’m pleased to say that we’ve received an unprecedented number of entries in all the categories, from both household names and newcomers alike. The variety and quality of the entries never cease to amaze me. Just as you think you’ve seen it all, someone will come up with either a brand-new product category, or a new take on a tried and trusted design. And this year has been no exception, which tested our panel of experts and made for a very interesting judging session. But after much discussion and deliberation, the judges made their choices, and you can read the resulting shortlist of finalists starting on page 10 of this issue. As usual the winners will be announced at our special lunchtime presentation event in London on Friday 22nd May, and there’s still time for you to join us as there are a few tickets still available. You can also register to attend the Trade Talks morning conference and enjoy some excellent presentations on a broad range of hot topics from our panel of expert speakers.
I’m also pleased to announce Babons Cancer Support as our nominated charity partner for this year’s event. Created in memory of Jean Spickernell (called ‘Babon’ by her grandchildren), this family run charity has been supporting cancer patients and their families in Kent since 2022, and we’re proud to be highlighting this worthy cause at this year’s DIY Week Awards. I look forward to seeing you there!
Neil Mead, Editorial Director In This Issue...
P4 / NEWS
The latest headlines and breaking news from across the home improvement and garden sectors
P16 / DECORATING
Taping and jointing materials play a vital role in the installation quality and performance of plasterboard
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Published by: P25 / TILES & TILING
Tile and bathroom manufacturer RAK Ceramics has further cemented its reputation as a trusted supplier
P30 / EVENT REPORT
Kerry and Clive Daley from Daley Hub report from this year’s Eisenwarenmesse International Hardware Fair
THAT DELIVERS DURABILITY
With its unibody lightweight plastic design,
Stock up now,
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